Golf photography dart board game including scene changing means

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for and method of projecting on a screen, views of different phases of a game, such as views of the fairways of the golf course, onto which darts may be thrown for representing distances of drive of the ball, and including overlay projections for indicating on the screen what the drive distances are as indicated by the landing positions of the darts, and arrows indicating the positions of the players for the next throw according to the position of the darts in previous plays.

United States Patent Dooley 1 GOLF PHOTOGRAPHY DART BOARD GAME INCLUDING SCENE CHANGING MEANS [72] Inventor: John F. Dooley, 212 Water Street,

Janesville, Wis. 53545 22 Filed: May 21,1969

21 Appl.No.: 826,608

[52] US. Cl. ..273/95 R, 273/102 B, 273/185 B, 273/176 L, 273/176 FA, 273/105.1

[51] Int. Cl. ..A63b 71/04 [58] Field of Search ..273/102 B, 105.1, 183, 184, 273/185, 176, 176 L, 134 CG; D34/5 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS D201 ,560 7/1965 Miranda ..D34/5 51 Oct. 10,1972

2,335,257 11/1943 Binks ..273/105.l 3,165,930 l/ 1965 l-lalpem ..273/ 134 CO 3,501,152 3/1970 Conk1in..., ..273/185 B Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Exarniner--Marvin Siskind Attorney-Paul H. Gallagher ABSTRACT Apparatus for and method of projecting on a screen, views of different phases of a game, such as views of the fairways of the golf course, onto which darts may be thrown for representing distances of drive of the ball, and including overlay projections for indicating on the screen what the drive distances are as indicated by the landing positions of the darts, and arrows indicating the positions of the players for the next throw according to the position of the darts in previous plays.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures P'A'TENTEDncnumn 8,697,073 sum 1 BF 2 ONE STR DUBBED T W0 ROKES W 4| ynw APPROACH ONE STROKE A45 INVENTOR JOHN FDOO Y BY TT Y PATENTEDUBI 10 I972 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT AUTOMATIC TIMING MEANS INVENTOR JOHN F DO LE Y ATT'Y GOLF PHOTOGRAPHY DART BOARD GAME INCLUDING SCENE CHANGING MEANS OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION A' broad object of the invention is to provide novel game means for projecting scenes onto a screen or target board, onto which darts may be thrown, the landing positions of which indicate various degrees or steps in the playing of the game leading to a goal.

Another object is .to provide novel game means of the foregoing character, which also includes means for visually indicating on the screen the positions of the plays made by the players in the various stages of the game.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the foregoing general character showing (1) a scene of the game onto which darts are to be thrown by the players, and (2) the same scene after a previous play with overlays projected onto that scene showing the positions of the darts as thrown and correspondingly showing the degree of accuracy thereof relative to the progress toward a goal.

Another and more specific object is to provide apparatus of the kind just previously referred to which includes a series of scenes including areas in a progression leading toward the goal, and including the goal itself, and means for successively changing the scenes on the screen to indicate the various steps of progress toward the goal.

A more specific object is to provide apparatus of the foregoing character which is related directlyto a golf game, which shows the fairways and greens in certain views, and indicating by means of overlays, the progress of the playersefforts by indicating the locations of the darts, along the fairways and greens.

Another object is to provide apparatus of the kind just referred to and including indications of position of the play made by each player, and the number of plays yet to be made in connection'with each phase of the game, such as in connection with each hole of a golf course.

DISCLOSURE OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, semi-diagrammatic view of apparatus utilized in the present invention and indicating its use by a player;

FIG. 2 is a detail view of a film strip utilized in the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a detail view representing a projector as used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 and including a film strip according to FIG. 2, and indicating an electric circuit for controlling the projector and film strip;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the projector console illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, semi-diagrammatic in nature, representing an alternative form of apparatus embodying the features of the invention.

Referring now in detail to the accompanying drawings, attention is directed first to FIG. 1 showing two main components of the apparatus of the invention, namely a console 10 and a dart board 12 which may be referred to as a target or target board. The console 10 includes means for projecting a scene onto the dart board 12 which darts or missiles 14 are thrown by a player 16. The dart board or target 12 may be of any suitable kind, including a panel 18 of suitable character adapted for receiving an image or picture 20 projected thereon as by a photographic operation. The panel 18 is also adapted to receive the darts or missiles 14 which may be of pointed penetrating type, and in that case may be of cork etc., or darts of magnetic type and in that case of smooth metallic surface having magnetic characteristics for holding them. The dart board 12 may be of any suitable mechanical construction, including a cabinet 22 for example mounted on the wall and having side door members 24 movable between open position as shown, for exposing the panel 18, and a closed position for enclosing the panel, and presenting a simple non-descript looking cabinet.

The console 10 is placed on the floor, and positioned for projecting a scene onto the panel 18. The console may include a cabinet 26 of suitable kind, having a top surface or integral panel 28, and a cover member 30 movable into a down position enclosing the panel 28, and into an upper substantial vertical position as shown, exposing the panel and the controls thereon.

Incorporated in the console 26 is a projector 32 (see also FIG. 3) of suitable and known kind arranged therein for projecting views onto the panel or screen 18 in one or another of opposite directions according to the desired relation between the console and the dart board 12. In the present instance the console 26 is positioned to the right of the line of flight of the darts, as represented in FIG. 1, and the projector 32 is accordingly located at the front side of the console as thus represented; i.e., to the left of the player when turned to the right from the position of the player 16 in FIG. 1.

The invention utilizes a cinematographic film, or film strip 34 as represented in FIG. 2, which includes a plurality of frames 36, individually numbered 1, 2, etc. -In the present instance, and in accordance with the above indicated preferred manifestation of the invention, the film strip shows a series of views or pictures of a golf course. Frame No. 1 shows the full, or at least the principal portion, of a fairway 38, the tee being in the foreground, and the green at the end, or possibly therebeyond. Frame 2 shows the same scene as No. l, and actually a duplicate film frame, but includes trans verse lines 40 and inscriptions 41 which constitute an overlay on the scene of No. l, as referred to again below.

Frame No. 3 shows the far portion of the fairway, including the green 42 itself and surrounding area, while Frame No. 4 is the same as No. 3 with an overlay thereon which includes a transverse line 44 dividing the overall area into an approach area 45, and a chip area 46, together with inscriptions 47 to indicate those areas, as well as possibly other inscriptions.

Frame No. 5 shows the green 42 itself in large scale, and Frame No. 6 the same view with an overlay thereon I including lines 48 and inscriptions 49.

In the case of a golf game, the film frames are arranged in pairs, each pair including a simple view without an overlay, and the same view repeated with an of continuous or endless belt type, for convenience in repeating the series of views. Such film and the utilization of it are known, and when this type is employed, a periscopic mirror system 49 is utilized, bypassing the far side of the film loop. In one form of the invention, the film may be advanced under manual control, such as by means of pushbuttons 50, indicated in FIG. 3, and included in the top panel 28 of the console 26 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 indicates an electric circuit 52 which includes the pushbuttons 50. Preferably the pushbuttons include start, advance and stop buttons. It is also within the concept of the invention that the film be advanced according to an automatic timing means 54 in an arrangement in which each frame is advanced after a predetermined time interval, such as when the device is used in a public place under coin control operation.

In the operation of the apparatus, or playing of the game, the player initiates operation of the apparatus by depressing the start pushbutton 50. This actuates the projector 32 for projecting frame No. 1 onto the screen; he then throws the dart 14, and this may be followed by other players throwing their darts, each being numbered or otherwise identifiable as to the respective player. The darts may land, for example, as represented in frame No. l of FIG. 2 and after the player, or all of the players, have thrown their darts, the advance pushbutton 50 is actuated for advancing the film to present frame No. 2. This frame shows the same scene as in FIG. 1 but with the overlay thereon which includes the transverse lines 40. These lines may be of any suitable, easily identifiable type, such as white lines, and they show the positions of the darts as thrown in the first try, along the length of the fairway toward the green. This frame also indicates, according to the areas defined by the lines 40, whether one stroke, two strokes, etc., are to be taken to land on the green.

The foregoing steps are repeated in connection with the next pair of film frames, namely Nos. 3 and 4 in the illustrated instance. Frame No. 3 shows the far portion of the fairway, and the green, and the players again throw the darts when No. 3 is projected. Then No. 4 is projected, showing the significance or values of the positions of the darts, and other information as desired.

Frames No. 5 and 6 are then projected in connection with the throw of the darts as described, to show in large scale the proximity to the hole itself, as well as for example indicating various numbers of putts.

As referred to above, the numbers of pairs of frames may vary according to the length of the hole.

In the case of a par 3 hole, frames Nos. 1 and 2 and Nos. 5 and 6 would be utilized, since only one drive is expected, with the ball landing on the green, and thereafter the putts are treated according to frames Nos. 5 and 6. In this case however, the green would be shown more prominently than in frames Nos. 1 and 2 here illustrated.

In the case of a par 4 hole, the six frames of FIG. 2 are provided, Nos. 3 and 4 showing far portions of the fairway.

In the case of a par 5 hole, eight frames are utilized, there being an additional pair of frames interposed between Nos. 2 and 3, so that presently illustrated frames 3, 4, 5 and 6 would be in positions Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively. The added frames show an intermediate portion of the fairway.

The film may include additional frames, if desired, including for example, a frame for each hole showing the fairway and green in small scale, depicting its overall shape. Other frames may be included providing general information, descriptions, etc.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular number of views or film frames, or any specific kind of information represented thereon.

Playing of the game preferably includes provisions for the player to stand at different locations farther and nearer the dart board or target, as an incentive to the player, and to enable him to capitalize on his skill over an oponent. For this purpose the console 26 is provided with indicators 56, 58 preferably in the form of arrows as here indicated, at the opposite ends of the console in the direction of throw of the darts. These arrows provide indications of positions for the player to stand in, as represented by imaginary lines 60 which are in line transversely with the arrows. The player for example may stand at the rear line, corresponding with the arrow 56, in an original throw, and then in accordance with the result of the throw, i.e., where the dart lands in the scene as indicated by the lines 40 in frame No. 2 (FIG. 2), he may stand at the front line indicated by the arrow 58 for the next throw, as compared with an opponent standing at the rear line for a corresponding throw, thus providing an advantage to a player according to his skill.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to such arrows 56, 58 but it may include more than two, and the arrows may be spaced farther apart than the limits of the console, such as for example as extending them on arms 61 which conveniently can be extendable and retractable relative to the confines of the console itself.

Preferably the arrows 56, 58 are of different colors to indicate a first position, second position, etc. and in accordance therewith the first one, 56, is preferably red and the second, 58, green.

The apparatus of the invention is fully adaptable to installation and use in each of opposite directions of throw of the darts. For example as represented in FIG. 1 the console 26 is positioned against a wall 62 and the dart board is on a wall 64 which the player faces when his right side is disposed toward the wall 62. In order to enable projection of the views in the opposite direction while the console is disposed against the same wall 62, provision is made for reversing the projector 32 and the arrows 56, 58. As represented in FIG. 4, the console includes a construction for enabling positioning of the projector 32 in each of opposite positions, for projecting the image onto the dart board in corresponding directions, the dart board in the first case being on the wall opposed to the wall 64. To facilitate reversal of the arrows 56, 58, these arrows are imprinted on individual panels 66, 68 which are detachably mounted in the top panel of the console, whereby the individual panels can be reversibly positioned, for correspondingly reversing the red and green arrows thereon. If the arrows are incorporated in arms 61, then the arms may include panels such as 68, for the same purpose.

FIG. 5 represents another form of apparatus embodying the features of the invention. In the present instance, instead of utilizing the console 26, a projector 70 similar to the projector 32 is mounted on the ceiling.

This projector 70 projects the same images onto the dart board 12 but includes an additional projection feature indicated at 72 whereby a pair of light lines 74 are projected onto the floor for indicating different positions for the players 16. These lines 74 formed by streaks of light extending across the floor serve the purpose of the imaginary lines 60 of FIG. 1 while being palpable. The projector 70 may be operated in a manner similar to that of the projector 32, as by the control components 52, 54 represented in FIG. 3, these control components including means for projecting the light lines 74, or not projecting them, in coordination with projection of the different frames of the film strip, such as frame Nos. 2, 3, 5, etc.

I claim:

1. Game apparatus comprising;

a. a target board,

b. missiles to be thrown at the target board,

c. the target board and the missiles being of such inter-related construction and characteristics that upon the missiles striking the target board, the target board retains the missiles in position where struck, a series of cinematographic frames, means for projecting said cinematographic frames on the target board,

f. said series of frames including a plurality of sets of frames,

g. each of said plurality of sets including a first picture showing a projectable representation of a phase of a game,

h. each of said plurality of sets further including a second picture identical to said first picture but additionally comprising an overlay representation containing game information,

i. each of said plurality of sets further including additional pictures, each additional picture showing a different portion of said first picture drawn to an enlarged scale;

j. each of said plurality of sets further including additional pictures with overlay representations, said additional pictures with overlay representations being identical to a corresponding additional picture but additionally comprising an overlay representation containing additional game information;

k. said additional pictures with overlay representations being interspersed between said additional pictures; and

1. means for advancing the projecting means for projecting the cinematographic frames in serial arrangement.

2. Game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pictures cover a golf course and each series includes pictures covering an individual hole, and successively lesser portions of each hole, and the final picture of each series covers the green.

3. Game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the overlays include inscriptions indicating additional plays, such as number of strokes to be taken according to a predetermined program of strokes for each hole.

4. Game apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the projecting means includes means for projecting on the supporting surface, lines indicating positions for the player to assume in relation to the target board, and for throwing the missiles at the target board.

5. Game apparatus according to claim 3 and mcluding a console having indications of lines indicating relativespacing from the target board for predetermining positions of the players in throwing the missiles at the target board.

6. Game apparatus according to claim 5 and including extensible elements in the console for adjustably positioning said line indications in relative proximity to the target board. 

1. Game apparatus comprising; a. a target board, b. missiles to be thrown at the target board, c. the target board and the missiles being of such inter-related construction and characteristics that upon the missiles striking the target board, the target board retains the missiles in position where struck, d. a series of cinematographic frames, e. means for projecting said cinematographic frames on the target board, f. said series of frames including a plurality of sets of frames, g. each of said plurality of sets including a first picture showing a projectable representation of a phase of a game, h. each of said plurality of sets further including a second picture identical to said first picture but additionally comprising an overlay representation containing game information, i. each of said plurality of sets further including additional pictures, each additional picture showing a different portion of said first picture drawn to an enlarged scale; j. each of said plurality of sets further including additional pictures with overlay representations, said additional pictures with overlay representations being identical to a corresponding additional picture but additionally comprising an overlay representation containing additional game information; k. said additional pictures with overlay representations being interspersed between said additional pictures; and l. means for advancing the projecting means for projecting the cinematographic frames in serial arrangement.
 2. Game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pictures cover a golf course and each series includes pictures covering an individual hole, and successively lesser portions of each hole, and the final picture of each series covers the green.
 3. Game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the overlays include inscriptions indicating additional plays, such as number of strokes to be taken according to a predetermined program of strokes for each hole.
 4. Game apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the projecting means includes means for projecting on the supporting surface, lines indicating positions for the player to assume in relation to the target board, and for throwing the missiles at the target board.
 5. Game apparatus according to claim 3 and including a console having indications of lines indicating relative spacing from the target board for predetermining positions of the players in throwing the missiles at the target board.
 6. Game apparatus according to claim 5 and including extensible elements in the console for adjustably positioning said line indications in relative proximity to the target board. 